Most clogged shower drains are caused by hair mixed with soap scum, sitting a short distance below the drain opening. That is good news, because simple hand tools and a bit of patience usually clear it. This guide goes through the options from gentlest to most involved, explains what to avoid, and covers what it means when the clog will not budge.
Before you start
- Put on rubber gloves. Drain gunk is unpleasant and can harbor bacteria.
- Check what your pipes are made of if you can. Hot water and some tools are fine for metal pipes but should be used more carefully with plastic (PVC or ABS) pipes.
- Do not mix different drain cleaners. Some combinations release dangerous fumes.
- If the water in the shower is standing, avoid splashing it, especially if you have already used a chemical cleaner.
Step 1: Remove the cover and pull out hair
Many clogs are right at the top of the drain.
- Unscrew or pry off the drain cover. A screwdriver usually does it.
- Look for hair wrapped around the crossbars or the screw post.
- Pull out what you can see with gloved fingers or tweezers.
- Push a plastic barbed drain strip (a cheap, flexible tool sold at hardware stores) down the drain, twist, and pull it back slowly. A straightened wire hanger with a small bent hook can also work, but be careful not to scratch the drain.
Repeat a few times. Hair often comes out as a dense, slimy mat.
Step 2: Flush with hot water
After removing what you can, run hot water from the tap for a minute or two. Hot tap water is generally safe for most plumbing. Be cautious about pouring boiling water, particularly with PVC pipes and porcelain fixtures, since extreme heat can damage them. For more on this, see our article on water backing up into the shower and toilet, where this question also comes up.
Step 3: Plunge correctly
A plunger works by pushing and pulling water, so water matters.
- Block the overflow opening on a tub with a wet rag if there is one.
- Add enough water to cover the rubber cup of the plunger.
- Place the plunger over the drain and make sure it seals.
- Use quick, short strokes rather than hard, full pushes. Forceful plunging can pack the clog further into a bend.
- Pull the plunger away sharply and see if the water drops.
Step 4: Use a drain snake
If hair is further down the line, a drain snake (also called an auger) can reach it.
- A plastic barbed strip is good for hair near the opening.
- A hand-crank auger reaches further. Feed it in until you meet resistance, turn the handle to engage the clog, then pull it back.
- A metal coil can sometimes poke a hole through a clog without removing it, so water may drain for a while and then back up again. If that happens, try a barbed tool or repeat the process to pull material out.
Go slowly. Pushing hard can scratch or damage pipes, and forcing it through a trap can get it stuck.
What can you pour down a shower drain?
Many readers ask about home remedies and chemical products.
- Baking soda followed by white vinegar: often suggested for light buildup. It can help loosen soap and grease, but it is not strong enough to dissolve a dense hair clog, so do not expect miracles.
- Enzyme or bacteria-based cleaners: they work slowly and are better for maintenance than for a blocked drain.
- Hair-dissolving gels and liquid drain cleaners: these can work on hair clogs but are caustic. Follow the label exactly, wear eye protection and gloves, never mix products, and never plunge or snake a drain right after using one because of splash risk. Some manufacturers advise against use with certain pipe types or in fully blocked drains where the chemical will sit.
If you have already poured chemicals in and need to call a plumber, tell them. They need to know before working on the line.
Why did my shower drain clog all of a sudden?
Clogs often build up slowly, so “sudden” usually means the last bit of room finally filled. Typical reasons include a recent hair-heavy shower, a changed soap or conditioner product that leaves more residue, a piece of the buildup breaking loose and lodging in the trap, or a partial blockage deeper in the line. If several drains are slow or the toilet gurgles when the shower drains, the problem may be beyond the shower. See water backing up into the shower and toilet.
If the clog keeps coming back or will not clear
Call a plumber if:
- The drain refills after you clear it
- You hear gurgling in other fixtures
- Water backs up in another drain, like the toilet or tub
- You see sewage or smell sewer gas
- You have tried a snake and a plunger without success
A plumber can use longer equipment and a camera to find the blockage. A deep clog, a blocked vent, a damaged pipe, or a main line issue are not things to force with more chemicals.
Preventing future clogs
- Fit a mesh hair catcher over the drain and empty it after showers.
- Pull hair from the drain regularly before it builds up.
- Flush the drain with hot water now and then.
- Avoid washing grease, paint, or other debris down the drain.
For broader troubleshooting beyond the drain, see our guide to common shower problems.